Kratom has become one of the most sought-after herbs recently, thanks to its powerful therapeutic effects.
Numerous studies have shown that kratom extracts might help remedy various common ailments. Proponents of this novelty herb also claim that it presents a significantly lower risk of side effects than many conventional drugs.
But if you’re new to kratom, you might be skeptical whether it truly delivers on its medicinal claims. Well, your concerns shall form the basis of this post.
Read below as we introduce what kratom is before delving into its potential therapeutic uses.
Introducing Kratom
Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a tropical evergreen tree whose extracts are widely marketed for their healing benefits. The tree is native to the Southeast Asian countries of Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Myanmar, and Papua New Guinea.
However, due to the hype around its potential therapeutic properties, kratom plantations are now a common sight worldwide.
Is Kratom Legal?
One of the most exciting aspects of Mitragyna speciosa is its legality.
Despite its many reported healing benefits, it’s important to note that kratom isn’t legal worldwide. Several countries have issued a sweeping ban on kratom in all its forms. Examples include Argentina, Vietnam, and Southeast Asian countries where the herb grows natively, such as Malaysia and Myanmar.
Fortunately, the West has been a bit more receptive to kratom.
For instance, kratom legal in canada provided that vendors do not package it as a consumable product. That means Canadian kratom suppliers should consider alternative formulations besides kratom edibles, such as topicals and aromatherapy products.
In the United States, kratom isn’t federally regulated. The herb’s legal status varies from one state to another.
Alabama, Indiana, Vermont, Wisconsin, and Arkansas have all banned kratom within their borders. In Utah, Georgia, and Arizona, the herb is legal, but access to it is highly regulated. The remaining states are generally permissive to kratom.
The Benefits of Kratom
1. Kratom for Pain
Pain relief is the primary health benefit of consuming kratom. Kratom’s analgesic properties are mainly due to its interactions with the opioid receptors in the brain.
The herb mimics the effects of common opioid drugs, such as codeine and morphine.
2. Kratom for Inflammation
Not only does kratom possess immense analgesic properties. It’s also a powerful anti-inflammatory drug.
Administering kratom regularly might help address both acute and chronic inflammation. The herb’s anti-inflammatory effects mainly come from rhynchophylline and epicatechin.
These compounds soothe inflammation by suppressing the release of proteins that relay inflammatory messages across the body, such as cytokines and chemokines.
3. Kratom for Opioid Withdrawal
Since kratom produces near-similar effects as conventional opioids, this herb may help address opioid withdrawal symptoms. Opioid withdrawal symptoms are side effects like headache and irritability, which occur when a chronic opioid user stops taking these drugs or dramatically reduces their dosages.
According to recreational drug experts, substituting kratom with opioids can fool the brain into believing you’re still on opioid drugs. This may help opioid users to gradually wean off the effects of these addictive substances without suffering severe side effects.
What makes kratom so effective against opioid withdrawal symptoms is that the herb is classified as a partial opioid agonist. In other words, it binds partially to the opioid receptors in the brain, thereby presenting lower risks of addiction and dependency.
Comparatively, drugs like morphine are full opioid agonists, binding fully to the opioid receptors. That explains why they tend to be so addictive.
4. Kratom for Fatigue
Kratom belongs to the same botanical family as coffee. That means its active ingredients share similar energizing properties as caffeine.
Studies have shown that kratom may be effective against physical and mental fatigue. Therefore, you can incorporate the herb into your breakfast to charge up for the day ahead.
Other ideal times to maximize kratom’s energizing effects are before hitting the gym and during brainstorming sessions.
5. Kratom for Stress and Anxiety
Many conventional antidepressants are notorious for triggering severe adverse reactions in the user. Some of these drugs may even increase markers of anxiety, such as irritability, beating the whole purpose of taking them.
That’s why many medical experts recommend alternative anxiolytic herbs like kratom.
One piece of research found that self-medicating with kratom might suppress various symptoms of anxiety and depression. A similar study found that the herb might fight mood swings.
6. Kratom for Insomnia
Anxiety and insomnia are intertwined. The two conditions generally occur side by side. They may also share a cause-effect relationship.
Knowing that kratom is effective against stress and anxiety might also boost sleep quality. Consuming the herb around bedtime can lower sleep onset time, allowing you to drift off to sleep much faster.
7. Kratom for Nausea
Natural kratom extracts are noted for their somewhat bitter taste. Ironically, this herb may help address nausea and inappetence.
Kratom’s antiemetic properties are largely due to its positive interactions with various ‘feel-good’ neurotransmitters in the brain, such as serotonin.
So, on the one hand, kratom may leave you with a bitter aftertaste. Yet, on the other hand, it can treat severe nausea, improving your appetite.
Summary
Kratom’s numerous therapeutic benefits explain why it has become one of the most in-demand herbs.
However, like most herbal extracts, kratom might still trigger certain adverse reactions if overdosed. The thumb rule is, to begin with smaller doses and then build momentum slowly.
